Image from Sunset Magazine
If you read our recent post about what to do with summer garden glut, you no doubt have some great ideas for how to use your bountiful August harvest. But there is one important way to enjoy your fruits, veggies and herbs that we forgot to mention…throw a party! We just adore the idea of inviting over some pals on a warm summer evening to relax and savor the fruits of your labor. After all, isn’t just about anything more fun when you can share it with close friends?
For a late summer garden party, there is no need to stress over complicated recipes and decorations. It’s best to let your garden harvest speak for itself, and to find unfussy ways to let the fresh flavors shine through. Same goes for decor; your aim should be to keep it subtle and simple. And we think one of the easiest and least expensive ways to add ambiance to an outdoor space is with lighting– the right lighting certainly does make an impact and cast a memorable glow.
Three Simple Outdoor Lighting Options for Your Garden, Deck, or Patio
(1) The Roost Lucie Hanging Votives: The unpretentious yet uncommon glass and metal design of the Lucie Hanging Votives is just right for complimenting an outdoor gathering. Just place a tealight or votive candle in each one, then hang them from the branches of a tree or the beams of an overhead garden arbor for a twinkling, starry look.
To use your patio umbrella for something other than shade, string the hanging votives underneath the open umbrella. For maximum effect, hang the votives together in clusters, or use them to create an overhead candle chandelier like they did here at MarthaStewart.com. You can choose your favorite design, or mix and match them: flare, tulip, or votive.
(2) Modern Solar Lanterns: We, of course, think the Soji Modern Solar Lanterns are cool. Really, really ridiculously cool. Why? Because they sort of fool the eye a little bit by appearing to be delicately folded paper lanterns, while in fact they are actually made of durable sheeted plastic. You can leave them hanging outside over your deck, garden, or patio, even in the rain!
Another bonus is that if you are looking for super easy no-maintenance outdoor lighting, this is it. All you have to do is hang them in a spot where they will receive direct sunlight during the day so that they can charge up. You don’t need to wire anything and you don’t need an outlet. They’ll then be ready to twinkle all evening from a tree branch or trellis. You can also consider hanging a solar lantern in a spot you want to call attention to during your garden party, such as over in an otherwise dark corner of the yard, where you have a pretty garden bench or bistro table.
(3) Roost Recycled Bottle Lanterns: The Recycled Bottle Lanterns are a new product that we are super excited about. They are awesome for both indoor and outdoor use. Like the hanging votives, they have a simple glass and metal design, which means they will match just about anything. Outdoors, the tealight will be protected from the summer breeze by the lantern’s recycled glass beer bottle body, and will make a great centerpiece for your picnic table.
Indoors, the lantern will add just the right balance of earthiness and glimmer to any room’s decor. Take a look at these photos at Once Upon a Tea Time to see how metal lanterns add a special to touch to both indoor and outdoor festivities. And don’t you love this living room design from Pure Green Magazine? See how the glass accents on the coffee table add just the right touch of sophistication to the room’s calm, clean appearance? Try grouping your recycled bottle lanterns with a Roost Glass Reed Vase filled with fresh cut China Asters for a similar look in your own living room.
